Preparation is key to successful blood donation

There is an upcoming blood drive in St. James at the First Presbyterian church on Monday, April 8, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday April 9 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

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By Diane Dannen

St. James Plaindealer - St. James, MN

By Diane Dannen

Posted Apr. 1, 2013 at 8:00 AM

By Diane Dannen
Posted Apr. 1, 2013 at 8:00 AM

St. James Plaindealer

Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience.

The Red Cross Recommends:

Getting a good night’s sleep.

Eating a good breakfast or lunch.

Drinking extra water and fluids to help replace the volume you will donate.

Avoiding caffeinated beverages.

Eating iron-rich foods to boost your iron level.

There is an upcoming blood drive in St. James at the First Presbyterian church on Monday, April 8, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday April 9 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

“Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour of your time,” says Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross encourages donors to give blood every time they are eligible: every 56 days for whole blood donations and every 112 days for double red cell donations.”